Ketamine therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain—especially when traditional therapies have fallen short. The FDA-approved nasal spray, Spravato, is also often a life-saving intervention for many patients diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression or suicidal ideation. Like any form of treatment, however, it’s important to fully understand what you’re stepping into.
If you’re considering ketamine therapy or Spravato, asking the right questions can help you feel confident, prepared, and safe. At Innerbloom Ketamine Therapy, we believe informed decisions lead to better outcomes. Here are five essential questions to ask before beginning your ketamine therapy journey.
This blog is proudly sponsored by Newy, the first physician-formulated mental health supplement created to boost neuroplasticity, support brain health, and complement ketamine therapy.
1. Is Ketamine Therapy Right for My Condition?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for ketamine therapy. While ketamine has demonstrated rapid relief for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and certain types of chronic pain, it isn’t the right fit for everyone. Intravenous ketamine can be used to treat a broader range of diagnoses, but eligibility for the nasal form, Spravato, is more limited. Spravato is approved only for individuals with treatment-resistant depression—meaning they must have tried at least two antidepressants without success, either due to lack of efficacy or intolerable side effects.
Questions to Ask:
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Have I already tried other treatments (e.g., antidepressants, TMS, ECT)?
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Do I have any medical conditions or medications that could interact with ketamine?
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Should I pursue IV ketamine or Spravato for my condition?
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What are my goals with treatment?
Ideal Candidates for IV Ketamine Therapy:
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Diagnosed with major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression
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Struggling with anxiety or panic disorders that haven’t responded to other therapies
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Living with PTSD and not benefiting from standard treatments
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Experiencing chronic pain (e.g., CRPS, fibromyalgia, migraines, neuropathic pain)
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Medically stable (no uncontrolled hypertension, severe cardiac issues, or active psychosis)
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Open to combining ketamine with therapy or lifestyle changes for long-term impact
Ideal Candidates for Spravato:
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Diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression by a psychiatrist
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May be experiencing suicidal ideation requiring fast-acting intervention
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Able to attend twice-weekly, in-clinic sessions during the induction phase
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No contraindications (e.g., uncontrolled high blood pressure, aneurysms, or esketamine allergy)
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Covered by insurance (Spravato is more expensive than IV and often cost-prohibitive without insurance)
2. What Should I Expect During a Ketamine Session?
Understanding the therapy experience helps reduce anxiety and sets realistic expectations. Ketamine sessions at Innerbloom can vary depending on the method of administration—IV, IM, or nasal spray.
Questions to Ask:
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How long is each session?
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What is the treatment environment like?
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Will I be monitored throughout the process?
What to Expect During IV Ketamine at Innerbloom:
Before Your Infusion:
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Mental health infusions are 40 minutes; pain infusions last 60 minutes
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Expect to be at the clinic for 1.5–2 hours total
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We monitor your vitals before, during, and after your session as indicated
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A licensed provider is always present
During the Session:
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You’ll recline in a cozy chair with eyeshades, noise-canceling headphones, a blanket, and calming music
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A staff member stays nearby for support and safety
After the Infusion:
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Dissociation is common and usually subsides within 15–30 minutes
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Most patients feel back to baseline within three hours
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Arrange for a ride home and avoid driving or operating machinery for 12–24 hours
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Rest, hydrate, eat well, and minimize screen time
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Journaling or therapy can help you process insights
What to Expect During a Spravato Session:
Before Treatment:
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Each session lasts 2–2.5 hours
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Vitals are monitored throughout the entire session
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You self-administer the nasal spray under supervision
During the Session:
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You’ll relax in a private room with optional headphones, eyeshades, and a blanket
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Mild dissociation or dizziness is normal
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A team member is always available for support
After Treatment:
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You must be driven home by a responsible adult
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Avoid stimulating activities for the rest of the day
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Reflect and integrate your experience with journaling or therapy
📌 Pro Tip: Innerbloom offers ketamine-assisted integration therapy for additional support between sessions.
3. What Are the Potential Side Effects and Risks?
Though ketamine is well-tolerated in clinical settings, side effects can occur. Understanding them helps you prepare and manage discomfort if it arises.
Common Side Effects:
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Nausea (especially at higher doses or with eyes open during infusion)
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Disorientation or “floaty” feelings
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Fatigue or grogginess post-session
We manage nausea proactively with Zofran (ondansetron) or natural remedies like ginger chews.
All side effects are typically mild and subside within a few hours. Our trained staff monitors you closely and will intervene with care if needed.
Long-Term Safety:
When administered according to medical protocols, ketamine therapy is considered safe—even with repeated use. We follow evidence-based guidelines to minimize risks and continually assess your treatment response.
Concerns about bladder or cognitive issues are linked to high-dose recreational ketamine use—not supervised therapeutic doses like those used at Innerbloom.
If you ever feel uneasy during a session—physically or emotionally—our staff is here to help adjust your environment, provide reassurance, or involve the provider as needed.
4. How Many Sessions Will I Need, and What Does It Cost?
Ketamine therapy typically involves a structured treatment plan rather than a one-time session.
Ask Your Provider:
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How many sessions are recommended for my condition?
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What are the total costs?
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Are payment plans or insurance options available?
Common Treatment Plans:
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IV Ketamine: 6–8 sessions over 2–3 weeks (induction phase)
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Spravato: 12 sessions over six weeks (twice weekly)
Following induction, we develop a customized maintenance plan based on your progress—this may include monthly or occasional booster sessions.
Cost and Insurance:
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IV Ketamine is usually not covered by insurance
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Spravato is often covered by commercial plans and Medicare
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We offer transparent pricing and flexible payment plans, and we accept HSA/FSA cards
5. What Happens After Treatment?
What you do after a session can significantly affect your results. The process of integration—applying insights gained during treatment—is key to long-term healing.
Ask:
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Will I receive support or integration therapy?
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How do I track progress?
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What if symptoms return?
At Innerbloom, we offer integration support, whether through your existing therapist or with our in-house team. We guide you in turning insights into real-world change.
Ways to Track Your Progress:
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Journaling after sessions to note emotions and breakthroughs
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Symptom tracking using simple rating scales (we’ll help with this)
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Regular check-ins with our team to adjust your care plan as needed
If you notice symptoms returning, we’re here to help. Booster sessions and continued support are available as part of a long-term strategy for well-being.
Ready to Explore the Possibilities?
Ketamine therapy and Spravato can be powerful tools for healing and transformation. By asking thoughtful questions and partnering with experienced providers, you’re setting yourself up for informed, empowered care.
At Innerbloom, our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way—whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to begin.